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How do you see Scotland?

We have joined forces with RNIB Scotland to raise awareness of diabetic retinopathy and the importance of regular eye screening. Our campaign, How Do You See Scotland?, is supported by Hollywood actor Brian Cox. #SeeScotland

We are very lucky to live in a country which was recently voted most beautiful in the world by influential travel publication Rough Guide. But, how would you feel if you could no longer see the spectacular scenery of Scotland?

We have partnered with RNIB Scotland to raise awareness of diabetic retinopathy with our campaign How Do You See Scotland?.

Diabetic retinopathy is a potential complication of diabetes and the leading cause of sight loss in working age adults. Our ‘How Do You See Scotland?’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the condition and the importance of attending regular screening.

Actor Brian Cox, star of films such as Rob Roy, X-Men 2 and this summer’s Churchill, is supporting our campaign and has narrated a 90-second film. As well as being available online, this film will be shown in Scottish cinemas during National Eye Health Week 2017 (18-24 September).

“Like many Scots, I’m living with diabetes and I’m aware of the various challenges it can bring. So I make sure I attend my appointments, including retinopathy screening. Don’t lose sight of what’s important. Get your eyes checked.”

Brian Cox - Actor

About Retinopathy and Screening

Diabetic retinopathy can lead to sight loss and blindness. But, if changes to your eyes are detected early enough through retinopathy screening, it can be successfully treated to prevent permanent damage.

Retinopathy screening is a special eye exam which every person with diabetes, age 12 or over, should have annually (or within 15 months). This is an important health check which is part of your 15 Healthcare Essentials.

According to latest figures from the Scottish Diabetes Survey 2016, over 42,000 of the 287,336 people who are eligible for diabetic retinopathy screening in Scotland do not have any record for the previous 15 months.

If you’re living with diabetes, please don’t miss your annual retinopathy screening appointment. If you haven’t been invited to screening, speak to your GP or healthcare team.

As part of the campaign, we have released a series of photographic images of iconic Scottish landmarks obscured by the effects of retinopathy.

Highland Cow (An image of a Highland cow obscured by the effects of diabetic retinopathy)

Glen Coe, The Highlands (A view of Glen Coe in The Highlands obscured by the effects of diabetic retinopathy)